Great! Now you know how to create amazing Instagram Reels for your own. Now, let’s see the way to use Instagram Reels as a marketing strategy for your Instagram business here.
5 ways to use Instagram Reels for business
When Instagram Stories was first launched in 2016, it was called a Snapchat clone. But Instagram Stories quickly surpassed Snapchat in daily users and has become an effective channel for brands to build their audience.
With that in mind, brands should grab the opportunity to be the first creators on Instagram Reels and engage a new kind of audience—people who prefer quick-and-easily-digestible content. Besides, brands can collaborate with new creative talents to experiment with Reels content they create.
And, one more thing: Reels sit in the Explore page—a place that more than 50% of Instagram accounts use every month. If your reel is shown on this page, you have a huge chance to expose your brand to new followers.
If big names like Maybelline, Sephora, or Louis Vuitton have been using Reels from day one, and if you’re already using Instagram for your business, why not give Reels a try?
Convinced? Then, here are five ways you can use Instagram Reels in your social media marketing strategy:
Reuse Tik Tok videos
If you’ve published content on TikTok, think about reusing them for Reels. Take ColourPop Cosmetics as an example. This brand did an excellent job of reposting their TikTok videos on Reels.
By reusing TikTok videos, you can either bring your followers—who haven’t used TikTok—a new type of content or help expose your content to new audiences.
Share educational content
Creating educational content is a great way to start on Reels. Top 5 skincare recipes, a secret to make delicious pancakes in 10 minutes, or 5 tips for styling a skirt—there are so many things to share with your followers that can help them learn a new skill.
Rena Awada, the owner of Healthy Fitness Meals (@healthyfitnessmeals), used Reels to share delicious, healthy, family-friendly recipes made with real food.
Her video was short, simple, and easy to follow, which explains why it gained in popularity. She also included several relevant hashtags like #healthy, #snack, and #lowcarb.
Showcase products
I’ve said it before, but let me repeat it again: Reels are located on the Explore page, meaning Instagram users who don’t follow you will see your content—this is gold!
But because it isn’t clear how the Instagram Reels algorithm works just yet, you should use hashtags, text overlay, or descriptive captions to let Instagram know what you’re talking about.
Below is a good example from @elfcosmetics. Notice how the brand focused on the benefits of their Luminous Putty Primer and used emojis to show them clearly.
Another example is from Deborah Ruiz. She used her personal Instagram account to post a Reel demonstrating how she wore lashes from her small business @deborahcosmestics.
Besides, you can collaborate with Instagram influencers to promote your product, as FLOWER Beauty and Revlon did:
Share behind-the-scenes content
Behind-the-scenes content helps your Instagram followers understand who you are and why you’re selling those products. It’s personable, it gains trust, and it builds relationships.
Take a look at two examples below. Fast and Food shared a moment of their staff preparing food for guests during Covid-19, and Benefit Cosmetics US created a reel to show how a day in the life of their graphic designer.
Some behind-the-scenes ideas you can try, you can share:
- How you choose materials for your product
- The process of making products
- The day-to-day life of your team
- Your brand story—how you came up with your business idea and what you’ve been through.
Announce your sales
How to use Instagram Reels for business to announce your sales and exclusive deals? IT Cosmetics US and Tarte Cosmetics applied this tip successfully, as they gained a lot of engagement from Instagram users.
BONUS TIP:
Stay genuine, and don’t turn your videos into overt advertisements!
Keep in mind that many brands have been successful on TikTok because they show their human side and give up being perfect all the time, which is exactly what TikTok users want to see.
So, try to maintain the same level of authenticity in your reels. Focus on originality and fun, rather than the quality of your videos. It could be highlighting staff individuality or bringing an ordinary aspect of your brand to life through music and motion. Doing this will lead to high engagement for your Reels videos.
Are you ready to try Instagram Reels?
It can be too soon to say Instagram Reels will be successful as its predecessor, Stories. But one thing for sure is that it gives you a new way to create more compelling content, better understand your followers, and increase your reach on Instagram. So, just give it a try.